This year’s presentation is “The Korean and Vietnam Conflicts: A Legacy of Valor, Strength, Integrity” and showcases the lives of 38 men who served their country in wars overseas. Their stories are told through photos, uniforms, newspaper clippings, patches, dog tags, and military insignia.
The Missing Man Table is also set up to honor and represent all American service men and women missing or killed, allowing us to remember these heroic Americans who answered our nation’s call. The museum also has other military photos, uniforms, maps of the conflict areas, and patriotic flags and flowers throughout the sanctuary of the former Lyndon Congregational Church.
All but one of the soldiers have been featured during the society’s previous Veterans Day events. New this year is Jerry Ronald Sikkema of Lyndon, who served three tours in the Vietnam conflict with the 190th Assault Helicopter Company – 2nd Platoon Roster. Jerry was honorably discharged after he was wounded in battle, and his distinguished service awarded him the Air Medal of Heroism, Purple Heart, and Silver Star. His display features a portfolio and poster with photos. He passed away in 2006.
The military men honored this year are:
- Wesley Ahrens, Navy – Korea, Vietnam (featuring Herman Fay & Paul Ahrens)
- Russell Earl Blagg, Marines – WWII, Korea, Vietnam
- Ronald Lee Bolt, Navy – Vietnam (featuring Nichelle Stingley)
- Jack Everett Bowen, Army – Vietnam
- Gary Bowen, Marines – Vietnam
- David Bramm, Air Force – Vietnam
- Douglas Chamberlain, Army – Korea
- Donald Cooper, Army/WWII and Navy/Korea
- Lloyd Crocker, Army – Korea
- William (Goat) Dorathy, Army – Vietnam
- Dennis Eads, Army – Vietnam MIA
- Glen Adam Francis, Army – Korea
- Burdette Frew, Army – Korea
- Russell Leonard Gebhart, Army Airborne 54-74
- Kent Gibson, Army – Korea
- Rodney Gorzny, Marines – Vietnam
- John Christian Hildebrand, Army – Korea
- Scott Holmberg – Vietnam (no poster on display)
- Ernest Johnson, Army – Korea
- Wallace Manning, Army Airborne – Korea
- Darrell Lee Mattson, Navy – Vietnam
- Tom Montgomery, Army – Vietnam Medivac
- Herbert Richmond, Army – Korea
- Frank Dennis Ryan, Army/Navy – Vietnam
- Peter “Pete” Schmidt, Army – Korea
- Jerry Sikkema, Army – Vietnam
- Allen Wayne Snyder, Air Force – Korea
- Orlo (Jim) Stern, Army – Korea
- Charles Stewart Jr., Navy – Vietnam
- Larry Stone, Army 1st Artillery – Vietnam (no poster on display)
- Kenneth Surdez, Army – Vietnam
- Paul (Pat) Taylor, Army – Vietnam
- David Leroy Tinkler, Army – Vietnam Green Beret
- Jimmy Truitt, Navy – Vietnam
- Renyold VanDerLeest, Air Force – Korea
- Ronald E. Wiebenga, Army – Vietnam 68-70
- Eugene H. Wollesen, Army – Korea
- Donald Woodard, Marines – WWII/Korea (featuring Clarence H. Woodard Jr.
Tables and chairs for seating, as well as light refreshments, will be available at Sunday’s event. The community is invited to come and reflect on and honor the memories and sacrifices of the servicemen and women who call, or once called, the Lyndon area as home. Around Ptown’s photo album of this year’s display can be found here.
The Lyndon Area Historical Society has been gathering information on Lyndon area veterans since 2016, with information for each veteran provided by his/her family and friends. Individual posters are created by LAHS board members. If you are interested in sharing information on a family member, please contact the society and they will provide you a Lyndon Area Veteran information form. Contact Kris Bielema at 815-499-4015 with questions to request the form, or explore their website for more information.
The Lyndon Area Historical Society’s 2026-2027 Board members are: Mimi Sweetser, Carol (Richmond) Crady, Alicia (Attig) Wetzell, Mary Ellen (Hunt) Rogers, Kris Bielema, Dale Ann (Stump) Cook, Terry Cook, Lindy Greenwood, and Neil Johnson.
